September 13, 2016
Fall is a very exciting time to visit Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains! As the leaves change to beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange, the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge host a number of seasonal celebrations that are fun for the whole family. To help you make the most of your vacation, we’ve put together a guide to 5 awesome events happening this fall in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:
From late September throughout the month of October, the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park celebrates “OktOBERfest”. Inspired by the famous celebration in Munich, the festival at Ober features a variety of Bavarian foods and fun. Enjoy some traditional German beer, schnitzel, sausages, sauerkraut, strudel, pretzels, and more tasty treats as you listen to some toe-tapping oompah music. If you have any lederhosen or dirndls in your closet, be sure to wear them!
The National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration at Dollywood is a dream come true for music lovers! This great festival features over 350 concerts throughout the month of October from some of the biggest stars in the world of southern gospel. Best of all, these performances are completely free with admission to Dollywood.
In addition to the wonderful music, visitors to Dollywood will find over 40 artisans scattered around the theme park at their own booths. These talented craftsmen and craftswomen will demonstrate their trade, answer questions, and offer their handcrafted products for sale. Some of the souvenirs available for purchase include paintings, jewelry, flutes, dulcimers, textiles, dolls, games, pottery, and chainsaw carvings.
On select dates throughout the month of October, the Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle will host special Shocktober shows. Perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit, these performances showcase some frighteningly fun magic tricks, illusions, and comedy. It’s easy to see why Shocktober is one of the most popular events happening this fall in Gatlinburg TN!
Scheduled for 18 days in October, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is a Smoky Mountain tradition. Over 180 of the best craftsmen from all over the country will come to the Gatlinburg Convention Center to show off their skills and sell their wares. While you see the sights and browse for souvenirs, you will enjoy country and bluegrass music from some very talented musicians.
For more spooky fun in Gatlinburg, you can’t beat Ripley’s Fright Nights! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure hosts a special tour of their haunted house with an extra dose of horror. Filled to the brim with ghouls and ghosts of every variety, this bone chilling adventure is guaranteed to frighten even the bravest of souls. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is also open on Halloween, so you can celebrate the holiday with some genuine thrills and chills.
When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you’ll be minutes away from all of the great events happening this fall in Gatlinburg TN and Pigeon Forge TN. Our luxurious cabins offer spectacular mountain views, fully furnished kitchens, fun game rooms, epic theater rooms, relaxing hot tubs, and everything else you need for an incredible vacation in the Smokies. To start planning your getaway, take a look at our cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!